The Syro-Hungarian Archaeological Mission of al-Marqab and Crac Des Chevaliers Citadels has successfully completed its 2017 summer fieldwork season. The Mission built on the cooperation between DGAM and Pázmány Péter Catholic University has been constantly working in al-Marqab citadel since more than a decade comprising dozens of Syrian and Hungarian experts and students.

Its present fieldwork season concentrated on the continuation of documentation work with the most recent technologies: aerial photography, 3D modelling, laser scanning and detailed geodesy.

The conservation and restoration works on the archaeological finds were also continued all through the season. Besides continuing the research program in al-Marqab, the different activities provided a good opportunity for training and the exchange of expertise for Syrian and Hungarian members alike.

Thank you to all the members for the enthusiastic work!

Based on the great success achieved by the joint Syro-Hungarian project in Al-Marqab fortress, which was based mainly on a three-decade-old cooperation, the Hungarian side (Pázmány Péter Catholic University) showed through a great scientific respect for its permanent and continuous presence even during the period of crisis. The two sides (DGAM-PPCU) agreed to expand this cooperation to another site of great importance and presence on the national and international heritage map "Crac Des Chevaliers".

The Joint Syrian-Hungarian Archaeological Mission "Crac Des Chevaliers" completed its first field work season for the summer of 2017 with significant results at all levels. Its activities focused on the completion of survey, documentation and excavation works for the church and its surrounding buildings, in order to establish its isolation and restoration project, then the restoration of the rare murals inside. As well as, the Mission has also carried out a detailed survey and damage assessment to the site, and it's in the process of preparing the needed emergency rehabilitation and rescue projects.

It is worth mentioning that the Hungarian side is currently financing the emergency project to isolate and restore the Church under the supervision and surveillance of the DGAM and PPCU specialists. This work is expected to be officially inaugurated by the end of November this year.